Because leadership consists of getting things done through others, persuasion is one of the leader’s essential tools.

Many people assume that persuasion is available only to the charismatic and the eloquent, like politicians.

But there are tactics anyone can use to reliably lead others to concede, comply, or change.

Over the past several decades, experimental psychologists have learned through research that persuasion is governed by several principles that can be taught and applied: Liking, Reciprocity, Social proof, Consistency, Authority, and Scarcity.

Used in concert, these six principles will help you capture an audience, sway the undecided, and convert the opposition.